"Android 4.3 has a hidden feature! It's called 'App Ops' and it lets you selectively disable some permissions for your apps. Is some misbehaving app constantly pinging your location and draining your battery in a few hours? You can fix that now." Terrible name, fantastic feature. Also: finally.

Here's an idea: Instead of granting an app all permissions when you install it, why not force apps to ask for each permission when the app actually need it?

That way, if an app asks for access to your contacts list , and it makes no sense based on what you try to do in the app, people will probably answer no. The app should also explain why it needs it when asking. iOS works a little bit like this, but with far fewer options when it comes to giving apps access to different things.